Cultural identity of the Gomti river's origin site in UP to be restored, NMCG approves its master plan

NEW DELHI: As part of its ongoing river rejuvenation efforts, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved multiple projects including a master plan to restore the cultural identity of the Gomti river’s origin site at Pilibhit, protect breeding habitats of sandbar-nesting birds and deploy nature based solutions for in-situ treatment of certain drains, falling in Yamuna, in Delhi.The plan to restore natural sanctity of the Gomti river’s origin site includes modern infrastructure development, catchment area treatment, rejuvenation of water sources, and nature-based treatment of sewage from Madhotanda town in Uttar Pradesh.“It also includes development of ghats and aarti platforms, rejuvenation of lakes, and conservation of turtle habitats. Facilities such as a crematorium, ‘panchvatika’ and yoga mandap will further enhance the site’s spiritual and cultural significance,” said the Union Jal Shakti ministry in a statement.The plan for Gomti and other initiatives were approved by the NMCG - a central agency to implement Ganga rejuvenation programmes - in its executive committee meeting, chaired by the agency's director general Rajeev Kumar Mittal, held last week.The project to protect breeding habitats of sandbar-nesting birds, including the Indian skimmer, will focus on long-term monitoring, community participation, and evidence-based conservation.“The project is a first of its kind initiative focusing on avifauna and would complement NMCG’s work on dolphins, fishes, turtles, muggers etc and would complete the focus on river related faunal biodiversity,” said the ministry.Under the project, nest monitoring will continue in the Chambal and lower Ganga and will be initiated in Bijnor, Narora, and Prayagraj by deploying trained local communities to help protect sensitive sandbars, reduce human disturbance, and support awareness and capacity-building initiatives.In Delhi, the nature based solutions will be used for in-situ treatment of different drains including Shastri Park, Gaushala, Kailash Nagar and Ramesh Nagar. Idea of the initiative is to treat raw sewage on-site before it enters the Yamuna using rock filters, stone masonry, and aquatic plants for natural treatment.